What geologic process released large amounts of water vapor into Earth's early atmosphere?

Need a Hint?

A) precipitation as ice, water, or snow

B) melting of glacial ice

C) movement of ocean currents

D) volcanic eruption

Answer

D. Volcanic eruption

Explanation

When a volcanic eruption happens, water vapour is released into the atmosphere immediately where it cools to form the oceans. This is an example of outgasing. However, melting glacial has negative impact such as excessive flooding and shortage of fresh water.

The correct option is D. Volcanic eruption released large amounts of water vapor into Earth's early atmosphere.

Earth's first atmosphere had lots of water vapor but it almost lacked oxygen. Eventually, frequent volcanic eruptions put several different gases into the air. These gases created a new type of atmosphere for Earth. The volcanic eruptions spewed gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water vapor into the atmosphere, but no free oxygen. Without oxygen, there could not be life on Earth.